towards rear, headway to chase leader 3 out, hampered by faller 2 out, stayed on from last but no chance with winner
held up behind leader, led 3 out, left clear 2 out, pushed out
midfield, outpaced and in rear approaching 3 out, no impression
led, pulled well clear 2nd where not fluent, reduced advantage 3rd, headed 3 out, left 2nd 2 out, one pace run in
midfield, ridden and outpaced before 3 out, jumped left last, faded run in
in rear, headway into midfield 4th, close up 3 out, in contention when fell 2 out
NonRunner
There are some promising types in this but Pipesmoker sets a high standard having followed up a third here in December by splitting a couple of smart novices at Ascot in February. CHAMPAGNESUPEROVER (NAP) is held in some regard, however, and the form of his third in a Listed bumper at Newbury in February is working out really well. The winner has been impressive in staying races on the Flat this year and the fourth was an easy winner over timber on his reappearance. Faivoir was surprisingly beaten at Uttoxeter but the winner followed up under a penalty and there should be plenty more to come. Art Approval was only beaten a length at Market Rasen but Presentandcounting may do better when upped in trip.
Art Approval (FR) 5-2 (10-10) In touch in rear, went 4th 3 out, ridden and every chance next, edged right last, kept on one pace, 2nd of 5, 1l behind Balagan (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 5f (4) gd in Aug.
Faivoir (FR) 8-11fav (11-0) Mid-division, travelled well to join leaders prior to last, kept on after last, 2nd of 11, 3l behind Cormier (11-0) at Uttoxeter 2m mdn (4) gs in Oct.
Lessankan (GER) 4-1 (11-11) Chsd ldrs in 3rd, disp frm 6out, mstk 3out, 2nd bef 2out until 5l 3rd bef 2out, wknd aftr 2out, 7th of 11, 11 1/4l behind Minella Majestic (11-11) at Ballindenisk 3m mdn sft in Dec.
Presentandcounting (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Prominent, led and clear before 4th, still well clear 3 out, lead diminished rapidly and joined 2 out, ridden and headed before last, ran on but could not match winner, 2nd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Guard Your Dreams (11-0) at Bangor-on-Dee 2m 1f mdn (4) gs in Sep.
Temur Khan 28-1 (10-12) Chased winner, jumped right 1st, lost 2nd 5th, weakened before 2 out, mistake last, 6th of 10, 35l behind Grey Spirit (11-4) at Warwick 2m (4) gd in Sep.
Found On (IRE) 9-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, closer 6f out, stayed on into 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 9l behind Maninsane (11-0) at Stratford 2m (5) sft in Aug.
Champagnesuperover (IRE) 2-1fav (11-3) Held up, closer 12f out, tracked leaders going well over 3f out, every chance over 2f out, chased winner 2f out, until over 1f out, plugged on in 3rd, 3rd of 9, 10l behind Ocean Wind (10-7) at Newbury 2m lst (1) gd in Feb.
Pipesmoker (FR) 9-2 (11-0) Raced keenly, held up in 4th, pushed along and outpaced after 3 out, 3rd next, went 2nd before the last, stayed on same pace, no chance with easy winner, 2nd of 4, 6 1/2l behind Sporting John (11-8) at Ascot 2m 3f (2) sft in Feb.
